Nebraska Football: Breaking Down the Blackshirts for 2011

Bo Pelini has a knack for producing top notch defenses and the 2011 version should prove no different.

With the Blackshirts headed to the Big Ten, will Pelini's typically schematic approach change?

Will Nebraska's personnel stack up to the rugged smashmouth style typical in the conference?

Let's take a look unit by unit.

Defensive Line

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LINCOLN, NEBRASKA - SEPTEMBER 11: Idaho Vandals quarterback Nathan Enderle #10 looks up from the turf as Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive tackle Baker Steinkuhler #55 and Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive tackle Jared Crick celebrate a sack during first half a

Nebraska returns three of four starters from the 2010 line, including all-everything defensive tackle Jared Crick.  After struggling for the early portion of the season, Crick quickly adapted to the constant double-teams and excelled throughout the rest of the season.

Crick's partner in crime, Baker Steinkuhler also returns after a 2010 campaign that saw him amass 46 tackles, including 11 for a loss.  He also added three and a half sacks and should be much better this season with a full year of starting under his belt.

Terrence Moore and Thaddeus Randle earned some decent time on the field last year, something that should be evident this year.  Late signee Todd Peat Jr. may provide instant depth, but that is doubtful considering Pelini's complicated schemes and lack of freshman playing time in the past.

On the outside the Huskers lose Pierre Allen, who had a solid year rallying 65 tackles to go along with three and a half sacks.  The Blackshirts do return a boatload of talent however, as Cameron Meredith, Jason Ankrah and Josh Willams come back.  Newcomer Joseph Carter out of Chaffey Community College should also provide some immediate depth to the group.

Overall, this group returns most of its personnel from a year ago but will need to remain more physical against the run.  The Big Ten is a brand new ball game, with most teams relying on constant rotation on the line to matchup with the heavy run packages presented.

Don't be surprised if Pelini mixes this group around to find the right mix against heavier offensive fronts, maybe even stacking the line with five lineman at a time.

Linebackers

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LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 26: Lavonte David #4 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Colorado 45-17 (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images)

Because nobody is sure what defensive package the Huskers will typically line up in next year, we will focus on the MIKE and WILL linebacker spots and assume the use of a hybrid Peso back as well.

Despite the loss of a wonderful coach in Mike Ekeler, this unit seems to be the best it's been in a while.  Lavonte David emerged as one of the best in the nation and is almost a lock to garner preseason conference and all-american honors.  He brings back his 152 tackles, six sacks and 15 TFL.  Pretty remarkable for a guy that wasn't even slated to play when transferring in from the JUCO ranks. 

Opposite David at the MIKE spot are Will Compton and Alonzo Whaley.  Whaley impressed me in his time on the field in 2010, while Compton never seemed to get into a groove.

Overall, this group should be the steadiest of the three as David has reportedly bulked up to endure the punishment of bigger backs in the Big Ten.  It will be interesting to see some of the packages Pelini chooses to use with this personnel group, but you can guarantee David will be out their ball hawking all over the field.

Secondary

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LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 13: Alfonzo Dennard #15 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers takes the ball away from D.J. Beshears #20 of the Kansas Jayhawks during second half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska De

For the second straight year, Nebraska must replace senior starters in the secondary.  But, this year's group may take a harder hit on the Blackshirts as a whole than last year.  Out are Prince Amukamara, Dejon Gomes, Eric Hagg, Anthony West and Rickey Thenarse.

Stellar corner Alfonzo Dennard should slide over to Amukamara's spot and do just fine, while Ciante Evans and Antonio Bell will battle for starting duties on the other side.  As for the hybrid spot that Eric Hagg played so well, it will be interesting to see if perhaps Austin Cassidy can excel in that role.  At 6-1, 210 he is the exact same size as Hagg and could be a good fit.

If Cassidy does move to that hybrid spot, assuming Pelini continues to use one, that leaves a void in the deep backfield.  Safety-wise I would expect Courtney Osbourne to hold down the strong safety spot, with some competition at the free spot.  P.J. Smith will probably earn those duties due to experience.

The secondary will be one of the most closely scrutinized units of the entire Nebraska team in 2011 and will probably serve as a great indication to the nature of the team.  The secondary will provide a measuring stick for this defense as a whole because the front six and seven should be just fine.

If the secondary can play up to Pelini like levels, this defense could be scary good in the Big Ten.